I've found that having the CDL locked on ice is the absolute worst situation to have it locked. Horrible understeer which causes problems on ice. I use my CDL about once a month just to give her a little exercise. Other than that, only when needed.
How you know when to use CDL?
- Thread starter HomersCanyonero
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- #22
I'm watching the videos...they are long, but informative. I only have two options...4Lo or 4Hi with CDL...LOL.
I know right? It's almost as if there are actually people out there who don't buy parts just to look good!
Besides, why tear up the trail trying to make it up when you don't have to?
Not sure why but I see people drive in 2wd until lose traction......WTF, why buy 4wd??
Simple rule: off-road = CDL on.....that's it!!!
Folks,
I've been driving an 80 Series for 25 years and every situation is different. The vehicle is very predictable with all 3 diffs open. On slippery streets with mashed potato snow/slush, I find the viscous center diff in the 97 causes understeer that my 91 doesn't have. I wouldn't consider locking the center in those situations. You'd end up in your neighbor's yard. Same for hard packed snow/ice. If you're going up a steep hill and are having problems, then I would push the button, but as soon as I was clear it would get unlocked.
As far as locking the center diff, if there is no slippage it can be done at any speed. I do it once on a while on the highway at 70 MPH or so on a nice, straight section of highway. There is no harm in doing this as long as there is no slippage.
If you have a spinning wheel and lock the center it will grind until it engages. Not the best idea, but they're not made of eggshells and dove feathers either.
They key is to learn how YOUR truck reacts in different situations. There is no substitute for experience.
I've been driving an 80 Series for 25 years and every situation is different. The vehicle is very predictable with all 3 diffs open. On slippery streets with mashed potato snow/slush, I find the viscous center diff in the 97 causes understeer that my 91 doesn't have. I wouldn't consider locking the center in those situations. You'd end up in your neighbor's yard. Same for hard packed snow/ice. If you're going up a steep hill and are having problems, then I would push the button, but as soon as I was clear it would get unlocked.
As far as locking the center diff, if there is no slippage it can be done at any speed. I do it once on a while on the highway at 70 MPH or so on a nice, straight section of highway. There is no harm in doing this as long as there is no slippage.
If you have a spinning wheel and lock the center it will grind until it engages. Not the best idea, but they're not made of eggshells and dove feathers either.
They key is to learn how YOUR truck reacts in different situations. There is no substitute for experience.
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- #26